Deadly Desperados by Lily Harper Hart Read Free Book Online

friend is also my sister-in-law. It was much easier for me to pick an acceptable wife for James than to end up with someone I didn’t like.”
    Ben smiled. “I like you, Ally,” he said. “You just say whatever comes to your mind, don’t you?”
    “Oh, I … .” Ally faltered. “I have a big mouth. I’m sorry. I don’t think before I speak sometimes.”
    “That’s not a bad thing,” Ben said. “It means you’re honest … and I happen to like honest people.”
    “I guess that’s good.”
    Jake squeezed Ally’s hand under the table. She was nervous. He was hoping a low-key meal with his aunt and uncle would cure her of that.
    “And how did you and Ally meet, Jake?” Mary asked.
    “Actually I met Grady first,” Jake explained. “He’s another Hardy brother. He was ironically looking for the suspect who tried to blow Mandy up. He thought it might be one of the veterans I volunteer to help down at that tent city I told you about.”
    “Do you still do that?”
    “I do.”
    “Good for you,” Ben said. “Go on with your story.”
    “Anyway, Grady took me over to James’ apartment one night because I had some information, and while I was there Ally came barreling in and made a scene,” Jake said, smiling at the memory. “She was a bundle of energy and I remember James being really annoyed because she didn’t knock.”
    “She still doesn’t knock,” James muttered.
    “And how did you two start dating?” Mary asked.
    “Well, she was having a little bit of trouble and … um … we got in a fight about her safety and we just kind of grew from there,” Jake replied.
    “Oh, so you had a huge fight that led to a big kiss and it was over for both of you,” Mary said, her eyes twinkling. “That sounds about right.”
    “It took us a little longer than that,” Ally clarified. “I don’t think Jake was looking for a relationship when we met.”
    “No, I wasn’t,” Jake agreed. “A relationship found me, though, and I’m happy to be wrong on that front.”
    “Oh, you guys are adorable, too,” Mary enthused. “Everyone is just so adorable.”
    “I agree,” Ally said, kicking her heels under the prairie bench. “I am definitely adorable.”
     
    “I LIKE your aunt and uncle,” Ally said, walking out of the bathroom to find Jake shirtless and getting ready for bed. She loved his bare chest and the way his muscles rippled when he moved. He was absolute perfection.
    “I’m glad, Angel,” Jake said, glancing up. “They like you, too. You know that, right?”
    “Of course they like me,” Ally scoffed. “What’s not to like?”
    After Ben told Ally he liked honest people, the fiery brunette was feeling more relaxed. Jake couldn’t have been happier with the change in her demeanor. He wasn’t used to seeing her fidgety and uncomfortable.
    “There’s absolutely nothing not to like,” Jake said, shuffling toward Ally and drawing her to him. She was dressed for bed, a simple tank top and cotton shorts covering her. Jake was hoping he would be able to negotiate less clothing in the next few minutes. “Ally, I’m glad you’re here. I love you.”
    Ally smiled, turning her bare face to his and accepting his sweet kiss. “I love you, too.”
    Jake pushed Ally’s hair back so he could marvel at her beauty. “You know, I really do think you could win America’s Next Top Model if you wanted to.”
    Ally giggled. “I think you want to get lucky.”
    “I think I already am lucky, Angel.”
    “Well, you’re about to get luckier.” Ally tackled Jake onto the bed, taking him by surprise. He laughed as she rolled on top of him, pinning him with her weight. They both knew he was strong enough to dislodge her if he so desired, but he was happy letting her be the boss tonight. “Now that I have you exactly where I want you, what do I want to do with you?”
    “I don’t know,” Jake said, wetting his lips. “I should point out that we have to be up in seven hours, though. While I